Orioles’ Mike Elias says ‘there’s still time’ for offseason moves

Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias is preaching patience in what has been another quiet offseason in Baltimore.

Spring training hasn’t arrived yet.

“It’s been a later, slower offseason than normal,” Elias told reporters Thursday as the Orioles kicked off their Birdland Caravan. “We’re working pretty hard, but since we spoke at the winter meetings, we haven’t lined up on any specific opportunities. But there is still time for that.

Following a 101-win season, the Orioles entered the offseason with a low payroll and a strong farm system, so the defending AL East champions should have plenty of options. But, aside from signing veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, Baltimore has done little. The everyday lineup may not need assistance.

Following a 101-win season, the Orioles entered the offseason with a low payroll and a strong farm system, so the defending AL East champions should have plenty of options. But, aside from signing veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, Baltimore has done little. The regular lineup may not require assistance, but the starting rotation and bullpen could always use an upgrade.

“I believe the entire league, all 30 teams, has publicly stated that they are looking for starting pitchers.” And it simply reflects the state of the sport, pitching, and the nature of it,” Elias said. “A pitcher fits on every team.”

Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish emerged as the Orioles’ most consistent starters down the stretch last season, and Dean Kremer won 13 games. John Means has returned from Tommy John’s surgery.

However, with young stars such as catcher Adley Rutschman and infielder Gunnar Henderson already in the majors and top prospect Jackson Holliday on the way, there is some pressure to capitalize on one of baseball’s most impressive farm systems.